The UK’s EU referendum 2016 explained

The Commons Library and Lords Library has produced impartial analysis of the UK’s referendum for remaining in or leaving the European Union. It presents the different arguments and opinions on potential “Brexit” and on remaining in the EU.

What's new

Analysis of the UK's new EU Settlement (updated 26 May)This briefing looks at the new Settlement for the UK within the EU, negotiated by David Cameron and agreed at the European Council on 17-19 February 2016. It was on the basis of this agreement that the Prime Minister recommended voting to stay in the EU.

No further updates to this page

Please note that there will be no further updates to this page as we are now entering the period known as ‘purdah’.

Public bodies are restricted from publishing certain types of information during the final 28 days before the poll. However, the content of this page and the links to related material will remain available.

Social issues

EEA migrants: access to social housing (England) Overview of EEA migrants' eligibility to apply for social housing in England. It considers the question of whether these people have preferential access to social housing and can 'jump the housing queue.'

People from abroad: what benefits can they claim?This note gives an overview of the rules on access to benefits and tax credits for people coming to the UK from abroad. It describes the situation for asylum seekers, nationals from European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and non-EEA nationals.

Measures to limit migrants’ access to benefitsThe note looks at the background to the changes and their likely impact on Government measures “to tighten up our EEA migration rules to ensure our welfare system is not taken advantage of.”

Business and trade

Committee seeks Business views on EU ReferendumThe Business, Innovation and Skills Committee conducted an oral evidence session on 24 May and will again on 14 June. This is part of an inquiry aimed at testing business reasons cited by businesses on both sides of the EU referendum debate.

In brief: UK-EU economic relationsThis note sets out some of the main indicators of the UK’s economic relationship with the EU, including trade, investment, employment and the UK's contribution to the EU Budget.

Devolved legislatures

Scotland

The impact of EU membership in Scotland - SPICe briefing (PDF) The briefing sets out what EU membership means for Scotland and includes an analysis of the data relating to Scotland’s economic and social links with the EU. It covers topics such as trade, inward investment, migration, public finance, higher education, transport, energy, agriculture and fisheries and the environment. (30 October 2015)

Wales

Europe Matters (Welsh Assembly newsletter)A newsletter produced by the EU office and the National Assembly for Wales International Relations Team to inform those who have an interest in Wales and European matters on the scrutiny and policy development activities of the committees of the National Assembly of Wales where they relate to current European issues.